Autism Speaks. First 100 Days Kit

Transcription

1 First 100 Days Kit A tool kit to assist families in getting the critical information they need in the first 100 days after an autism diagnosis. Autism Speaks Autism Speaks does not provide medical or legal advice or services. Rather, Autism Speaks provides general information about autism as a service to the community. The information provided in this kit is not a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider and does not replace the advice of medical, legal or educational professionals. This kit is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any organization, product or professional. Autism Speaks has not validated and is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. You are urged to use independent judgment and request references when considering any resource associated with the provision of services related to autism Autism Speaks Inc. Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks It's Time To Listen & Design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved.

3 Kevin Murray* Parent Chief Operating Officer, Rock Ridge Associates Linda Meyer, Ed.D Executive Director, The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC) Denise D. Resnik Parent, Co-Founder and Board Chairman, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) Michelle Smigel Parent Lilly Tartikoff* Philanthropist Kim Wolf Parent *Autism Speaks board member **Chairperson Family Services Committee Parent indicates a parent of a child with autism About the Contributors... Lynn Kern Koegel, PhD is one of the world s foremost experts on the treatment of autism. She and her husband founded the renowned Autism Research Center at the Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she is currently the clinical director. She holds a Ph.D. in educational psychology and an M.A. in speech and hearing sciences. She lectures frequently at universities, conferences, schools, and parent organizations. primary research interests are in early identification and early intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Theresa Foy DiGeronimo, MEd is the coauthor of How to Talk to Your Kids About Really Important Things, Launching Our Black Children for Success, College of the Overwhelmed, and other books for Jossey-Bass. Kathryn Smerling, PhD is an educator and psychologist with advanced degrees in both disciplines. She maintains a private practice in Manhattan, specializing in family dynamics and child development process. She holds a Ph.D., an M.S.W., and an M.A. and graduated from both the Extern Program at Ackerman Institute for the Family, and the National Institute for Psychotherapies (NIP). Random House has published forty texts by Dr. Smerling in both Spanish and English for use in the early childhood classroom by supervisors, teachers, parents and paraprofessionals. Ellen Notbohm is author of Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew and Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You Knew, both ForeWord Book of the Year finalists and iparenting Media Award recipients and, most recently, The Autism Trail Guide: Postcards from the Road Less Traveled. She is also coauthor of the awardwinning 1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, a columnist for Autism Asperger s Digest and Children s Voice, and a contributor to numerous publications and web sites around the world. The Autism Speaks First 100 Days Kit was edited by: Mather Media Claire LaZebnik is the author of the novel Same As It Never Was and has written for GQ, Cosmopolitan, and Vogue. Ms. LaZebnik is coauthor of the book Overcoming Autism. A graduate of Harvard University, she lives with her TV writer husband and four children, one of whom has autism, in Pacific Palisades, California. Wendy L. Stone, PhD is a professor of pediatrics and psychology and human development at Vanderbilt University and an investigator at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development. She founded and directs the Vanderbilt Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, where she has continuing frontline clinical experience with a broad variety of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. Her

4 Contact Us... Ask for Help Contact the Autism Response Team Autism Response Team (ART) members are specially trained to help families with the day-to-day challenges of living with autism. Contact ART with your questions about resources, support and information. Call us at 888-AUTISM 2 ( ) or West Region Midwest Region Northeast Region Southeast Region More information... There is a wealth of information on the Autism Speaks web site. Visit Share your comments To share your comments on the kit - What was helpful? What additional information could be inluded?, etc. - please them to AutismSpeaks.org, with the word feedback in the subject line. Autism Speaks FAMILY SERVICES

5 Autism Speaks. 100 Day Kit. Section About Autism... Why was my child diagnosed with Autism? And what does it mean?...1 Why does my child need a diagnosis of Autism?...1 How is Autism Diagnosed?...2 What is Autism?...3 More information on the Symptoms of Autism...5,6,7 Unique Abilities that may Accompany Autism...8 Physical & Medical Issues that may Accompany Autism...9,10 You, Your Family & Autism... How will I deal with the diagnosis?...11,12,13 Tips from Experienced Parents...13,14 What should we know about our younger and future children?...14 How will this effect our Family?...15 Sharing Your Struggle...16 Fifteen Tips for your Family...17,18 Getting Your Child Services... How do I get help my child get the help he needs?...19 Accessing Services...20 Your Child s Rights...20,21 Treating Autism... How is Autism Treated?...23 Treatments for Core Symptoms Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)...25, 26 Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)...26 Verbal Behavior (VB)...26,27 Floortime (DIR)...27, 28 Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)...28 Training & Education of Autistic & Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH)...29 Social Communication/Emotional Regulation/Transactional Support (SCERTS)...29, 30 Treatment for Associated, Medical & Biological Symptoms Is there a Cure?...33 Choosing the Right Intervention...34 Making it Happen... Assembling Your Team...35 Hiring Therapists...36 Managing Your Team...36 Including Your Family in Your Child s Therapy...37 Suggested Books & Websites...38,39,40,

7 Why was my child diagnosed with Autism? And what does it mean? Your child has been diagnosed with autism and you have asked for help. This is an important turning point in a long journey. For some families, it may be the point where, after a long search for answers, you now have a name for something you didn t know what to call, but you knew existed. Perhaps you suspected autism, but held out hope that an evaluation would prove otherwise. Many families report mixed feelings of sadness and relief when their child is diagnosed. You may feel completely overwhelmed. You may also feel relieved to know that the concerns you have had for your child are valid. Whatever it is you feel, know that thousands of parents share this journey. You are not alone. There is reason to hope. There is help. Now that you have the diagnosis, the question is, where do you go from here? This handbook, the Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit, was created to help you make the best possible use of the next 100 days in the life of your child. It contains information and advice collected from trusted and respected experts on autism and parents like you. } {In this kit, the umbrella term Autism refers to the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorders, including Autism, PDD, PDD-NOS, and Asperger s Syndrome. Why does my child need a diagnosis of Autism? Parents are usually the first to notice the early signs of autism. You probably noticed that your child was developing differently from his or her peers. The differences may have existed from birth, or may have become more noticeable later. Sometimes the differences are severe and are obvious to everyone. In other cases they are more subtle and are first recognized by a day-care provider or preschool teacher. Those differences, the symptoms of autism, have lead thousands of parents like you to seek answers that have resulted in a diagnosis of autism. You may wonder: Why does my child need a diagnosis of autism? That s a fair question to ask - especially when right now, no one is able to offer you a cure. Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding global biomedical research to find the causes, prevention, treatment and a cure for autism. Great strides have been made and the state of progress is a far cry from the time when parents were given no hope for their children. Some of the most brilliant minds of our time have turned their attention toward this disorder and we work at a constantly increasing pace toward a cure for autism. While indeed, we live in an age of miracles and wonders, we re not there yet. In the meantime, the best treatments available to us now the therapies and interventions you will learn about in this handbook are our chemotherapy, our dialysis, our insulin. It is important to remember, your child is the same unique, lovable, wonderful person he or she was before the diagnosis. There are however, several reasons why having a diagnosis is important for About Autism Autism Speaks

8 { } Now we know Nicky has Autism. Everyone told me I was worrying about nothing; that he was a late bloomer and would grow out of it. I didn t want to wait and see if he got better. Now that we know, we can help him. your child. A thorough and detailed diagnosis provides important information about your child s behavior and development. It can provide a road map for treatment, by identifying your child s specific strengths and challenges, providing useful information about which needs and skills to target for intervention. A diagnosis is often required to access autism specific services through early intervention programs or your local school district. refer the child to Early Intervention and a specialist for a developmental evaluation. Hearing and lead exposure screenings should be performed and an autism-specific screening tool, such as the Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers (MCHAT) should be used. The MCHAT, is a list of simple questions about your child. The answers determine whether he or she should be referred to a specialist, usually a Developmental Pediatrician, a Neurologist, a Psychiatrist or a Psychologist, for further evaluation. There are other screening tools available, some geared towards older children or specific Autism Spectrum Disorders. Your child may have been diagnosed by one of the professionals mentioned above. In some cases, a team of specialists may have evaluated your child and provided recommendations for treatment. The team may have included an Audiologist, to rule out hearing loss, a Speech & Language Therapist, to determine language skills and needs, and an Occupational Therapist to evaluate physical and motor skills. If this was not the case for your child, you will want to make sure further evaluations are conducted so that you can learn as much as possible about your child s strengths and needs. 2 How is Autism Diagnosed? Presently, there is not a medical test for autism; a diagnosis is based on observed behavior and educational and psychological testing. As the symptoms of autism vary, so do the routes to obtaining a diagnosis. You may have raised questions with your pediatrician yourself. Some children are identified as having developmental delays before obtaining a diagnosis of autism and may already receive some Early Intervention or Special Education services. Unfortunately, parents concerns are sometimes not taken seriously by their doctor and a diagnosis is delayed. Autism Speaks and other autism related organizations are working hard to educate parents and physicians so that children with autism are identified as early as possible. From birth to at least 36 months of age, every child should be screened for developmental milestones during routine well visits. If concerns about a child s development are raised, their doctor should } {More information on terms that are printed in bold is available in the glossary at the end of this handbook and in the Video Glossary at

9 What is Autism? Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other pervasive developmental disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger s Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders. You may also hear the terms Classic Autism or Kanner s Autism (named after the first psychiatrist to describe autism) used to describe the most severe form of the disorder. The American Psychiatric Association s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is the main diagnostic reference used by mental health professionals and insurance providers in the United States. The current (fourth) edition, which was published in 1994, is commonly referred to as the DSM-IV. The diagnosis of autism requires at least six developmental and behavioral characteristics are observed, that problems are present before age three, and there is no evidence for certain other conditions that are similar. DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of Autism I. A total of six (or more) items from heading (A), (B), and (C), with at least two from (A), and one each from (B) and (C): (A) Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following: Marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body posture, and gestures to regulate social interaction. Failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level. A lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people, (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people). A lack of social or emotional reciprocity. (B) Qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least one of the following: Delay in or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime). In individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others. Stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language. Lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level. (C) Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities, as manifested by at least two of the following: Encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus. Apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals. Stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g. Hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements). Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects. II. III. Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years: (A) Social interaction. (B) Language is used in social communication. (C) Symbolic or imaginative play. The disturbance is not better accounted for by Rett s Disorder or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Source: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Fourth Edition 3

10 4 How common is Autism? Today, it is estimated that one in every 150 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism. Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing percent annually. There is not established explanation for this increase, although improved diagnosis and environmental influences are two reasons often considered. Studies suggest boys are more likely than girls to develop autism and receive the diagnosis three to four times more frequently. Current estimates are that in the United States alone, one out of 94 boys is diagnosed with autism. What causes Autism? The simple answer is we don t know. The vast majority of cases of autism are idiopathic, which means the cause is unknown. The more complex answer is that just as there are different levels of severity and combinations of symptoms in autism, there are probably multiple causes. The best scientific evidence available to us today points toward a potential for various combinations of factors causing autism multiple genetic components that may cause autism on their own or possibly when combined with exposure to as yet undetermined environmental factors. Timing of exposure during the child s development (before, during or after birth) may also play a role in the development or final presentation of the disorder. A small number of cases can be linked to genetic disorders such as Fragile X, Tuberous Sclerosis, and Angelman s Syndrome, as well as exposure to environmental agents such as infectious ones (maternal rubella or cytomegalovirus) or chemical ones (thalidomide or valproate) during pregnancy. There is a growing interest among researchers about the role of the functions and regulation of the immune system, both within the body and the brain, in autism. Piecemeal evidence over the past 30 years suggests that people with autism may involve inflammation in the central nervous system. There is also emerging evidence from animal studies that illustrates how the immune system can influence behaviors related to autism. Autism Speaks is working to extend awareness and investigation of potential immunological issues to researchers outside the field of autism as well as those within the autism research community. While the definitive cause (or causes) of autism is not yet clear, it is clear that it is not caused by bad parenting. Dr. Leo Kanner, the psychiatrist who first described autism as a unique condition in 1943, believed that it was caused by cold, unloving mothers. Bruno Bettelheim, a renowned professor of child development perpetuated this misinterpretation of autism. Their promotion of the idea that unloving mothers caused their children s autism created a generation of parents who carried the tremendous burden of guilt for their children s disability. In the 1960s and 70s, Dr. Bernard Rimland, the father of a son with autism, who later founded the Autism Society of America and the Autism Research Institute, helped the medical community understand that autism is not caused by cold parents but rather is a biological disorder. } {The best scientific evidence available to us today points toward a potential for various combinations of factors causing autism. Autism Speaks

11 More Information about Symptoms of Autism Autism affects the way your child perceives the world and makes communication and social interaction difficult. He may also have repetitive behaviors or intense interests. Symptoms, and their severity, are different for each of the affected areas (Communication, Social Interaction, and Repetitive Behaviors). Your child may not have the same symptoms and may seem very different from another child with the same diagnosis. It is sometimes said, that if you know one person with autism; you know one person with autism. The symptoms of autism typically last throughout a person s lifetime. A mildly affected person might seem merely quirky and lead a typical life. A severely affected person might be unable to speak or care for himself. Early intervention can make extraordinary differences in your child s development. How your child is functioning now may be very different from how he or she will function later on in life. The information following about the social symptoms, communication disorders and repetitive behaviors associated with autism is taken from the National Institute of Mental Health Website. Social Symptoms From the start, typically developing infants are social beings. Early in life, they gaze at people, turn toward voices, grasp a finger, and even smile. By contrast, most children with autism seem to have tremendous difficulty learning to engage in the give-and-take of everyday human interactions. Even in the first year of life, many do not interact and avoid eye contact in a normal way. They may seem indifferent to other people, and prefer being alone. They may resist attention or passively accept hugs and cuddling. Later, they may fail to seek comfort or respond to parents displays of anger or affection in a typical way. Research has suggested that although children with autism are attached to their parents, their expression of this attachment is unusual and difficult to read. To parents, it may seem as if their child is not connected at all. Parents who looked forward to the joys of cuddling, teaching and playing with their child may feel crushed by this lack of the expected and typical attachment behavior. Children with autism also are slower in learning to interpret what others are thinking and feeling. Subtle social cures such as a smile, a wave, or a grimace-may have little meaning to a child with autism. To a child who misses these cues, Come here may always mean the same thing, whether the speaker is smiling and extending her arms for a hug or frowning and planting her fists on her hips. Without the ability to interpret gestures and facial expressions, the social world may seem bewildering. To compound the problem, people with autism have difficulty seeing things from another person s perspective. Most five year olds understand that other people have different thoughts, feelings, and goals than they have. A child with autism may lack such understanding. This inability leaves them unable to predict or understand other people s actions. Although not universal, it is common for people with autism to have difficulty regulating their emotions. This can take the form of immature behavior such as crying in class or verbal outbursts that seem inappropriate to those around them. Sometimes they may be disruptive and physically aggressive, making social relationships even more difficult. They have a tendency to lose control, particularly when they re in a strange or overwhelming environment, or when angry or frustrated. At times, they may break things, attack others or hurt themselves. In their frustration, some bang their heads, pull their hair or bite their arms. 5

12 Communication Difficulties By age three, most children have passed predictable milestones on the path to learning language; one of the earliest is babbling. By the first birthday, a typical toddler says a word or two, turns and looks when he hears his name, points when he wants a toy, and when offered something distasteful, makes it clear that the answer is no. Some people with autism remain mute throughout their lives; although the majority develops spoken language and all eventually learn to communicate in some way. Some infants who later show signs of autism coo and babble during the first few months of life, but they stop. Others may be delayed, developing language as late as age five to nine. Some children may learn to use communication systems such as pictures of sign language. Children with autism who do speak often use language in unusual ways. They seem unable to combine words into meaningful sentences. Some speak only single words, while others repeat the same phrase over and over. They may repeat or parrot what they hear, a condition called echolalia. Although many children with autism go through a stage where they repeat what they hear, it normally passes by the time they are three. Some children with autism who are only mildly affected may exhibit slight delays in language, or even seem to have precocious language and unusually large vocabularies, but have great difficulty in sustaining a conversation. The give and take of normal conversations may be hard, although they may often carry on a monologue on a favorite subject, giving others little opportunity to comment. Another common difficulty is the inability to understand body language, tone of voice, or phrases of speech. For example, someone with autism might interpret a sarcastic expression such as Oh, that s just great as meaning it really IS great. While it can be challenging for others to understand what children with autism are less able to say, their body language may also be difficult to understand. Facial expressions, movements, and gestures may not match what they are saying. Also their tone of voice may fail to reflect their feelings. They may use a high-pitched, sing-song, or flat, robot-like voice. Some children with relatively good language skills speak like little adults, failing to pick up on the kid-speak that is common in their peers. Without meaningful gestures or the language to ask for things, people with autism are less able to let others know what they need. As a result, they may simply scream or grab what they want. Until they are taught better ways to express their needs, children with autism do whatever they can to get through to others. As they grow up, they can become increasingly aware of their difficulties in understanding others and in being understood. As a result, they are at greater risk of becoming anxious or depressed. {Until they are taught better ways to express their needs, children with autism do whatever they can to get through to others. } 6

13 Repetitive Behaviors Although children with autism usually appear physically normal, odd repetitive motions may set them apart from other children. These behaviors might be extreme and highly apparent or more subtle. Some children and older individuals repeatedly flap their arms or walk on their toes. Some suddenly freeze in a position. As children, individuals with autism might spend hours lining up their cars and trains in a certain way, rather than using them for pretend play. If someone moves one of the toys, the children may be tremendously upset. Many children with autism need, and demand, absolute consistency in their environment. A slight change in routines, such as mealtimes, dressing, taking a bath, and going to school at a certain time or by the same route, can be extremely stressful. Repetitive behavior sometimes takes the form of a persistent, intense preoccupation. These strong interests may be unusual because of their content (e.g. Being interested in fans or toilets) or because of the intensity of the interest (e.g. knowing much more detailed information about Thomas the Tank Engine than peers). For example, a child with autism might be obsessed with learning all about vacuum cleaners, train schedules, or lighthouses. Often older children with autism have a great interest in numbers/ letters, symbols, dates or science topics. } {Many children with autism need, and demand, absolute consistency in their environment. Autism Speaks 7

14 Unique Abilities that may Accompany Autism You may have recognized that your child with autism has some unusual skills and abilities. The information that follows, adapted from Sally Ozonoff, Geraldine Dawson and James McPartland s book, A Parent s Guide to Asperger s Syndrome and High- Functioning Autism, and the article, How can my child have Autism when he seems so smart? From Does My Child Have Autism? By Wendy Stone, highlight some of them. Consider incorporating some of these abilities into your child s treatment plan, where possible and appropriate, to take advantage of them. From A Parent s Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism Just as individuals with autism have a variety of difficulties they also have some distinctive strength. Some of the strengths that individuals with autism may have include: Ability to understand concrete concepts, rules and sequences Strong long term memory skills Math skills Computer skills Musical ability Artistic ability Ability to think in a visual way Ability to decode written language at an early age (This ability is called Hyperlexia. Some children with autism can decode written language earlier than they can comprehend written language.) Honesty sometimes to a fault Ability to be extremely focused if they are working on a preferred activity Excellent sense of direction How can my child have Autism when he seems so smart? Right now you might be thinking about all the things your child with autism learned at a much younger age than other children you know. And yes, you are right: there are also things that children with autism learn on their own much faster than their typically developing peers or siblings. For example: They can be very good at learning to pick out their favorite DVD from a stack, even when it s not in its case. They may learn at a very young age how to operate the remote controls to the TV and DVD player so that they can rewind their videos to their favorite parts (or fast forward through the parts they don t like). They can be very creative in figuring out ways to climb up on the counter to reach a cabinet that has their favorite cereal, or even how to use the key to unlock the dead bolt on the back door so they can go outside to play on the swing. Clearly, these are not behaviors that you would even think about trying to teach a two-year-old child. And yet some children with autism somehow manage to acquire these skills on their own. How can we understand this inconsistency between the things children with autism do and don t learn? How can a child who can t put different shapes into a shape sorter learn to turn on the TV and DVD player, put a DVD in, and push the play button? How can a child who can t understand a simple direction like Get your coast figure out how to unlock a door to get outside? What accounts for this unique learning style? In a word: motivation. We all pay attention better to the things that interest us, so we become much more proficient at learning them. Understanding what is motivating to your child (all children are different) will be one of the keys to increasing their learning and their skills. 8

15 Physical and Medical Issues that may Accompany Autism Seizure Disorders Seizure Disorder, also called Epilepsy, occurs in as many as 39% of people with autism. It is more common in children who also have cognitive deficits than those without. Some researchers have suggested that it is more common when the child has shown a regression or loss of skills. There are different types and subtypes of seizures and a child with autism may experience more than one type. The easiest to recognize are large grand mal (or tonic-clonic) seizures. Others include petit mal (or absence) seizures and subclinical seizures, which may only be apparent in an EEG (Electroencephalogram). It is not clear whether subclinical seizures have effects on language, cognition, and behavior. The seizures associated with autism usually start either early in childhood or during adolescence, but may occur at any time. If you are concerned that your child may be having seizures you should see a neurologist. The neurologist may order tests which may include an EEG, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT (Computed Axial Tomography) and a CBC (Complete Blood Count). Children and adults with epilepsy are typically treated with anticonvulsant or seizure medicines to reduce or eliminate occurrence. If your child has epilepsy, you will work closely with a neurologist to find the medicine that works the best with the fewest side effects and to learn the best ways to ensure your child s safety during a seizure. Genetic Disorders A small number of children with autism may also have an identifiable neurogenetic condition such as Fragile X Syndrome, Angelman s Syndrome, a neurocutaneous disorder called Tuberous Sclerosis, Chromosome 15 Duplication Syndrome or another chromosomal abnormality. If your child has clinical features, such as a family history or physical symptoms, that are characteristic of one of these disorders, your pediatrician may order tests or may refer you to a developmental pediatrician, a geneticist and/or a child neurologist for testing. The chance of having one of these abnormalities is a little higher if your child also has cognitive deficits or mental retardation. It is also higher if your child has certain physical features that are characteristic of a given syndrome. While none of these conditions is curable, it is important to know if your child has one of these syndromes because there may be other medical issues that go along with some of them. Having a known genetic cause for autism may also change your risk of having another child with autism. Gastrointestinal Disorders Many parents report gastrointestinal (GI) problems in their children with autism. The exact number of children with both gastrointestinal issues such as gastritis, chronic constipation, colitis, celiac disease and esophagitis and autism is unknown. Surveys have suggested that between 46 and 85% of children with autism have problems such as chronic constipation or diarrhea. One recent study identified a history of gastrointestinal symptoms (such as abnormal pattern of bowl movements, frequent constipation, frequent vomiting, and frequent abdominal pain) in 70% of the children with autism, compared with 42% of children with other developmental disabilities and 28% of children without developmental disabilities. If your child has symptoms such as chronic or recurrent abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, you will want to consult a gastroenterologist (preferably one that works with people with autism). Your child s physician may be able to help you find an appropriate specialist. Pain caused by GI issues is sometimes recognized because of a change in a child s behavior, such as an increase in self soothing behaviors such as rocking or outbursts of aggression or self-injury. Bear in mind that your child may not have the language skills to communicate pain caused by GI issues. Treating GI problems may result in improvement in your child s behavior. A popular dietary intervention for GI issues includes the elimination of dairy and gluten containing foods (for more information see Gluten Free Casein Free diet in the treatment section of this kit). As with any treatment it is best to consult your child s physician to develop a comprehensive plan. In February 2007, Autism Speaks initiated a campaign to inform pediatricians about the diagnosis and treatment of GI problems associated with autism. For additional information that can be 9

16 shared with your child s doctor, go to the following link on the Autism Speaks website: org/docs/autism_speaks_gi_statement_1-07.pdf Sleep Dysfunction Is your child having trouble getting to sleep or sleeping through the night? Sleep problems are common in children and adolescents with autism. Having a child with sleep problems can affect the whole family. It can also have an impact on the ability of your child to benefit from therapy. Sometimes sleep issues may be caused by medical issues such as obstructive sleep apnea or gastroesophageal reflux and addressing the medical issues may solve the problem. In other cases, when there is no medical cause, sleep issues may be managed with behavioral interventions including sleep-hygiene measures such as limiting the amount of sleep during the day, and establishing regular bedtime routines. There is some evidence of abnormality of melatonin regulation in children with autism. While melatonin may be effective for improving the ability of children with autism to fall asleep, more study is needed. Melatonin or sleep aids of any kind should not be given without first consulting with your child s physician. Sensory Integration Dysfunction Many children with autism experience unusual responses to sensory stimuli, or input. These responses are due to difficulty in processing and integrating sensory information. Vision, hearing, touch, smell, taste, the sense of movement (vestibular system) and the sense of position (proprioception) can all be affected. This means that while information is sensed normally, it may be perceived much differently. Sometimes stimuli that seem normal to others can be experienced as painful, unpleasant or confusing by the child with Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID), the clinical term for this characteristic. (SID may also be called Sensory Processing Disorder or Sensory Integration Disorder.) SIDs can involve hypersensitivity, also known as sensory defensiveness, or hyposensitivity. An example of hypersensitivity would be the inability to tolerate wearing clothing, being touched, or being in a room with normal lighting. Hyposensitivity might be apparent in a child s increased tolerance of pain or a constant need for sensory stimulation. Treatment for Sensory Integration Dysfunction is usually addressed with occupational therapy and/or sensory integration therapy. Pica Pica is an eating disorder involving eating things that are not food. Children between 18 and 24 months old often eat non food items, but this is typically a normal part of development. Some children with autism and other developmental disabilities persist beyond the developmentally typical time frame and continue to eat items such as dirt, clay, chalk or paint chips. Children showing signs of persistent mouthing of fingers or objects, including toys, should be tested for elevated blood levels of lead, especially if there is a known potential for environmental exposure to lead. 10 Autism Speaks

17 How will I deal with this diagnosis? You are never prepared for a diagnosis of autism. It is likely that you will experience a range of emotions. It is painful to love so much, to want something so much, and not quite get it. You want your child to get better so much you may feel some of the stages commonly associated with grieving. You may revisit these feelings from time to time in the future. Part of moving forward, is dealing with your own needs and emotions along the way. Stages Associated with Grieving Shock Immediately after the diagnosis you may feel stunned or confused. The reality of the diagnosis may be so overwhelming that you re not ready to accept it or you initially ignore it. You may also question the diagnosis or search for another doctor who will tell you something different. Sadness or Grief Many parents must mourn some of the hopes and dreams they held for their child before they can move on. There will probably be many times when you feel extremely sad. Friends may refer to this as being depressed, which can sound frightening. There is, however, a difference between sadness and depression. Depression often stands in the way of moving forward. Allowing yourself to feel sadness can help you grow. You have every right to feel sad and to express it in ways that are comfortable. Crying can help release some of the tension that builds up when you try to hold in sadness. A good cry can get you over one hurdle and help you face the next. Anger With time, your sadness may give way to anger. Although anger is a natural part of the process, you may find that it s directed at those closest to you your child, your spouse, your friend or at the world in general. You may also feel resentment toward parents of typical children. Your anger may come out in different ways snapping at people, overreacting at small things, even screaming and yelling. Anger is normal. It is a healthy and expected reaction to feelings of loss and stress that come with this diagnosis. Expressing your anger releases tension. It s an attempt to tell the people around you that you hurt, that you are outraged that this diagnosis has happened to your child. } { I felt angry when a child at my son s school was diagnosed with Leukemia around the time our son was diagnosed with autism. Everyone sent cards and cooked dinners for them. They didn t know I needed that kind of help too. When I let people know I needed help they came through for me. Denial You may go through periods of refusing to believe what is happening to your child. You don t consciously choose this reaction; like anger, it just happens. During this time, you may not be able to hear the facts as they related to your child s diagnosis. Don t be critical of yourself for reacting this way. Denial is a way of coping. It may be what gets you through a particularly difficult period. You must, however, be aware of that you may be experiencing denial so that it doesn t cause you to lose focus on your child s treatment. Try not to shoot the messenger. When someone, a professional, a therapist or a teacher, tells you something that is hard to hear about your child, consider that they are trying to help you so that you can address the problem. It is important not to alienate people who can give you helpful feedback and monitoring of your child s progress. Whether you agree or not, try to thank them for the information. If you are upset, try considering their information when you have had a chance to calm down. 11You, Your Family & Autism

18 } { My husband had a harder time accepting our son s diagnosis at first. When Max began making progress in his ABA program, everything changed for the better. For a while, I was the one holding everything together for all of us. Loneliness You may feel isolated and lonely. These feelings may have many causes. Loneliness may also come from the fact that in your new situation you simply don t feel you have the time to contact friends or family for company or that, if you did reach out, they wouldn t understand or be supportive. In the pages that follow, we have some suggestions for taking care of yourself and for getting the support you need. Acceptance Ultimately, you may feel a sense of acceptance. It s helpful to distinguish between accepting that your child has been diagnosed with autism and accepting autism. Accepting the diagnosis simply means that you are ready to advocate for your child. The period following an autism diagnosis can be very challenging, even for the most harmonious families. Although the child affected by autism may never experience the negative emotions associated with the diagnosis, parents, siblings and extended family members may each process the diagnosis in different ways, and at different rates. Give yourself time to adjust Be patient with yourself. It will take some time to understand your child s disorder and the impact it has on you and your family. Difficult emotions may resurface from time to time. There may be times when you feel helpless and angry that autism has resulted in a life that is much different than you had planned. But you will also experience feelings of hope as your child begins to make progress. 12 Autism Speaks

19 Caring for the Caregiver Changing the course of your child s life with autism can be a very rewarding experience. You are making an enormous difference in his or her life. To make it happen, you need to take care of yourself. Take a moment to answer these questions: Where does your support and strength come from? How are you really doing? Do you need to cry? Complain? Scream? Would you like some help but don t know who to ask? } {Remember that if you want to take the best possible care of your child, you must first take the best possible care of yourself. Parents often fail to evaluate their own sources of strength, coping skills, or emotional attitudes. You may be so busy meeting the needs of your child that you don t allow yourself time to relax, cry, or simply think. You may wait until you are so exhausted or stressed out that you can barely carry on before you consider your own needs. Reaching this point is bad for you and for your family. You may feel that your child needs you right now, more than ever. Your to do list may be what is driving you forward right now. Or, you may feel completely overwhelmed and not know here to start. There is no single way to cope. Each family is unique and deals with stressful situations differently. Getting your child started in treatment will help you feel better. Acknowledging the emotional impact of autism and taking care of yourself during this stressful period will help prepare you for the challenges ahead. Autism is a pervasive, multi-faceted disorder. It will not only change the way that you look at your child, it will change the way you look at the world. As some parents may tell you, you may be a better person for it. The love and hope that you have for your child is probably stronger than you realize. Here are some tips from parents who have experienced what you are going through: Get going. Getting your child started in treatment will help. There are many details you will be managing in an intensive treatment program, especially if it is based in your home. If you know your child is engaged in meaningful activities, you will be more able to focus on moving forward. It may also free up some of your time so you can educate yourself, advocate for your child, and take care of yourself so that you can keep going. Ask for help. Asking for help can be very difficult, especially at first. Don t hesitate to use whatever support is available to you. People around you may want to help, but may not know how. Is there someone who can take your other kids somewhere for an afternoon? Or cook dinner for your family one night so that you can spend the time learning: Can they pick a few things up for you at the store or do a load of laundry? Can they let other people know you are going through a difficult time and could use a hand? Talk to someone. Everyone needs someone to talk to. Let someone know what you are going through and how you feel. Someone who just listens can be a great source of strength. If you can t get out of the house, use the phone to call a friend. } {At my support group I met a group of women who were juggling the same things I am. It felt so good not to feel like I was from another planet! Consider joining a support group. It may be helpful to listen or talk to people who have been or are going through a similar experience. Support groups can be great sources for information about what services are available in your area and who provides them. You may have to try more than one to find a group that feels right to you. You may find you aren t a support group kind of person. For many parents in your situation, support groups provide valuable hope, comfort and encouragement. 13

20 14 Try to take a break. If you can, allow yourself to take some time away, even if it is only a few minutes to take a walk. If it s possible, getting out to a movie, going shopping, or visiting a friend can make a world of difference. If you feel guilty about taking a break, try to remind yourself that it will help you to be renewed for the things you need to do when you get back. Try to get some rest. If you are getting regular sleep, you will be better prepared to make good decisions, be more patient with your child and deal with the stress in your life. Consider keeping a journal. Louise DeSalvo, in Writing as a Way of Healing, notes that studies have shown that writing that describes traumatic events and our deepest thoughts and feelings about them is linked with improved immune function, improved emotional and physical health, and positive behavioral changes. Some parents have found a journaling a helpful tool for keeping track of their children s progress, what s working and what isn t. Be mindful of the time you spend on the Internet. The Internet will be one of the most important tools you have for learning what you need to know about autism and how to help your child. Unfortunately, there is more information on the web than any of us have time to read in a lifetime. There may also be a lot of misinformation. Right now, while you are trying to make the most of every minute, keep an eye on the clock and frequently ask yourself these important questions: Is what I m reading right now very likely to be relevant to my child? Is it new information? Is it helpful? Is it from a reliable source? Sometimes, the time you spend on the Internet will be incredibly valuable. Other times, it may be better for you and your child if you use that time to take care of yourself. } {The Internet will be one of the most important tools you have for learning what you need to know about autism and how to help your child. What should we know about our younger or future children? Although autism is believed to have a strong environmental component, there is little doubt that autism is a disorder with a strong genetic basis. If you are expecting another child, or have plans to expand your family in the future, you may be concerned about the development of any younger siblings of your child with autism. Studies have estimated that families affected with one child with autism have roughly a 5-10% percent chance of having a second child with autism. This risk increases if two or more children in the family are already affected. More recent evidence has suggests that early signs of autism may be seen in some children as young as 8-10 months of age. For example, infants who later develop autism may be more passive, are more difficult to soothe, or fail to orient when their name is called. Some of these early signs may be noticed by parents, others may only be observed with the help of a trained clinician. Through a joint venture between Autism Speaks and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, research on the early signs and symptoms of autism has been accelerated. Called the High Risk Baby Siblings Research Consortium, or BSRC, the collaboration is comprised of over 20 researchers at a dozen different sites in the US, Canada and Israel, with a similar effort in the United Kingdom. The purpose of this collaborative effort is to help identify behavioral and biological markers for autism so that diagnosis can be made earlier than ever before, leading to improved and more specific behavioral intervention in young children and even infants. While there is a general acceptance in the scientific community that earlier is better, this research will provide evidence on different therapies which partner therapist time and parent training. Recently, a group of researchers within the BSRC, together with psychologists from around the US, has formed the

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